Teresa Giudice, Joe Giudice Plead Not Guilty to Federal Charges

Teresa and Joe Giudice looked somber during a court appearance in New Jersey on Wednesday, Aug. 14. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star and her husband pleaded not guilty to federal fraud charges during their afternoon trial.

"They vehemently deny their guilt," Joe Giudice's lawyer, Miles Feinstein, addressed the courtroom, according to the New York Daily News. "There's an assumption of innocence and they vehemently assert their innocence."

The Giudices last appeared in federal court on Tuesday, July 30, where they were hit with a 39-count indictment that included conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud and bankruptcy fraud, in addition to making false statements on loan applications. If convicted, the couple could face more than 50 years in prison.

Additionally, Joe, 43, could be deported to Italy if found guilty on any of the federal or state charges.

News of the Towaco, N.J. residents' financial troubles first broke on Monday, July 29. The Giudices were each released on $500,000 unsecured bail bonds.

"The indictment returned today alleges the Giudices lied to the bankruptcy court, to the IRS and to a number of banks," prosecutor Paul J. Fishman said in a statement at the time. "Everyone has an obligation to tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes and applying for loans or mortgages. That's reality."

The couple has been trying to keep things positive for the sake of their four daughters -- Gia, 12, Gabriella, 10, Milania, 7, and Audriana, 3 --since their initial court date. On Sunday, Aug. 11, the family of six had a relaxing beach day at the Jersey Shore.

"Daddy with his four angels," Teresa, 41, captioned one snap of Joe and the girls on a beach towel under the shade of an umbrella, tweeting another photo of the family one day later with the caption "memories at the jersey shore."

The Real Housewives star has also been determined to stay on track with her professional life despite her family's personal troubles. According to her blog, the reality star will make a scheduled appearance on Wednesday evening for her new book, Fabulicious: On the Grill.

The couple's next hearing will be on Oct. 3, with their trial set for Oct. 8.